Do some CM's use 'tactics' to secure business?

[briskwalk]

Hi all, just wondering, do some CM's employ 'tactics' to get parents to accept or decline a place quickly. I've been to see a few minders recently on 4 occasions now, I have received either a phone call or message within the next day or two, saying that another parent is coming to visit them with a view to taking the vacant place.

Now, I didn't think anything of this at first but as it keeps happening, I've started to get suspcious! I know that most of these minders haven't had enquiries for a long time but lo and behold when I come along, they're suddenly inundated!

Feel free to tell me I've got it wrong but is it possible that this kind of thing goes on?

I don't know but I have had several occasions where enquiries are like buses. None for ages and then two (or more) come along at once.

On the other hand, some may tell you this to see where the land lies. It can be very frustrating not hearing back either way. I don't think it's to rush you into a decision but more finding an excuse to contact you again to see what you're thinking.

yy exactly like buses

I tend not to hurry parents unless there is a genuine need to - I select the families I work with as carefully as the parents do

If you've seen 4 childminders in one area the chances are that if another Mum (or two) is looking for a childminder in the same area they may well have visited the same 4 as you.

i do this if i feel the viewing went really well and have had other enquiries just to give the first one the choice. It is true parents seem to be like buses i havnt had many enquiries for a few months yet all of a sudden within a week i have had 4.

in all honesty it can happen that way, i never contact a parent unless i get another enquiry afterwards - so just curteosy to let them know, and its very likely they have also recd calls.
some times you can go for months without any then all of a sudden recv about 7 calls in 3wks

Was going to mention 'buses' but it's been said a few times already :) I've had loads recently after it being a bit more quiet since Christmas, just the way it goes sometimes.

It may be that you are lovely and they would rather give the place to you than the other person who asked?

If I didn't like a parent, I certainly wouldn't let them know someone else is interested in the space .

I had a rush of families visiting not long ago - four in a week, and I said to each that they were free to go away and have a think, come back to me with any further questions they thought of etc. but that I would continue to advertise and to see other people until I heard from them. I can only assume this was taken as a "tactic" because the last one came back the following day and we concluded contracts. The others all came back in their own good time (the latest some six weeks later!)and said they wanted the place and then seemed surprised to find it no longer available. One was even quite nasty about it and blamed me for messing up her rigorous selection process.

It's an impossible dilemma. I can't afford to turn potential customers away while parents are dithering, but if you say there is other interest, that can be seen as putting pressure on or even gamesmanship and put people off.

Part of the problem is that there are many people who visit, ask loads of questions, seem very keen and then disappear. I know some will have perfectly good reasons for this - not getting the job they were after, deciding the finances don't work or finding other childcare more suitable for their needs and that's fine. But it would not cost anything to say Thanks but no thanks.

HSMM - aw thanks

I have had families who have visited but never got back to me either way.
I've also had families who want to sign up there and then.
There have been occasional families who I've not wanted to care for but who have wanted me!

It's like buying a house. Lots may want it, but it's the one who signs on the dotted line who wins!

whats the problem anyway..

I havn't doent this as havnt needed to but if I had to then cms are running a business!!!

again noone is twisting your arm.. you can decline..

Although some cm's might do this it is unlikely that 4 in a row would. I agree that they were probably giving you 'first dibs', maybe because they preferred you.

I don't think it is anything that any cms i know have done and i have never done it either!!

But i have one under one space, and in the past ten days i have had FIVE different families enquire about the one space!!! Some of them are coming to see me within the next few weeks so will really be on a first come first served option!!

It does happen, as i have found that children (customers) are like buses, you go for ages with nothing and then big lot come along at once!!

yep i have had 3 enquiries just this week!!! wots going on???

Must be something in the water!! lol

well hope it keeps up.. may be really businesslike and put up my rates!!!